"We believe that all accountants deserve a designation"

The job descriptions associated with a CBAC

There are a variety of job descriptions associated with the CBAC designation. This short summary explains more about what is expected of a CBAC within the finance department.

Statutory criteria

CBAC is an official designation registered in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 67 of 2008. The entry criteria for the designation as published in Government Gazette is:

• Qualification requirement:
  • National diploma or degree from an accredited institute of higher learning. (NQF6 or higher)
  • Qualification can be obtained in any field i.e. commerce or non-commerce.
  • If no qualification or incomplete qualification you may qualify for our RPL route. Talk to us to learn more about this option.
  • For foreign qualifications, evaluation by SAQA is required. Please click here for more information
• Experience requirement:
  • 2 years relevant experience in finance department or as a trainee in practice.
  • Experience will be verified by way of a logbook completed by employer and correlation with credit bureaus
• Assessment:
  • Completion of a course and assessment in ethics.
• Private practice:
  • Business Accountants in Commerce may not act in private practice e.g. only Business Accountants in Practice are allowed to act as accountants in private practice or as accounting officers.

Click here for a list of the required supporting documentation

Click here for an overview of the application process

The application process and post-designation requirements

1. Application
   Application
   • Register:
   • Complete the CBAC application form and confirm you are a person in good standing.
2. Supporting Documentation & Qualification
   • Submit certified copies of your ID and latest CV
   • Submit certified copies of academic transcripts
   • Provide proof of either of the following:

     A completed qualification e.g. National Diploma or Degree (commerce or non-commerce) obtained from an institute of higher learning registered with the South African Department of Education

     A SAQA evaluation and alignment certificate indicating the comparative South African qualification if the qualification was obtained from a Non South African institute of higher learning.

     Relevant prior learning obtained in the form of part qualifications, modules, short courses or similar courses completed and which CIBA as recognised for membership purposes.

     Membership of a professional body that ascribes to the membership criteria of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) or a professional body with whom CIBA has signed a membership agreement, and whom CIBA has recognised for membership purposes.

   • Verification of Experience - Map your experience to CIBA's Competence Framework. Provided at application.
   • Certified Marriage Certificate (if applicable). Required if the surname on your qualification differs from your ID.
   • Sworn Affidavit. Provided at application.
   • Two employer reference letters from your past/current employers or clients stating the employment period, job position, and key responsibilities on company letterheads. Example provided at application.
   • Professional Support Reference letter from a SAQA-recognised professional body designation holder. Example provided at application. If a reference from a designation holder is not available, the applicant must provide a second reference letter from either a current or former employer or a client.
   • Proof of successful completion of CIBA's Professional Readiness Programme and commitment to Lifelong Learning.
3. Experience: Awareness level
   • Complete the workplace experience assessment and confirmation by employer. You will be required to complete an Examination-By-Experience. This consists of self-assessment, and employer verification of obtaining competencies at an awareness level.
4. Payment
   • You will be redirected to a secure online payment portal to pay your CBAC designation fee. This can be paid annually or monthly via debit order.
5. Evaluation
   • We will evaluate your application and supporting documents.
   • Once your application is approved we will email you confirmation of registration and certificate.

Continuous quality confirmation is a hallmark of the CBAC designation. This gives credibility and is valued by employers.

• Professional Readiness Programme

  The Chartered designation is a mark of excellence in the accounting and finance profession. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that the holder is committed to best practices, ethical conduct, and lifelong learning and maintains high professional standards. As the profession evolves, accountants must go beyond technical expertise to demonstrate ethical leadership, industry awareness, and accountability. The Professional Readiness Programme reinforces and evaluates the skills to navigate a dynamic business environment while upholding public trust. It includes the following areas: Technical Application Skills, Ethical Awareness, Environmental Awareness, and Readiness for Responsibility.

• Ethics

  The CIBA ethics CPD and assessment be completed annually.

• Technology and business

  CFMs should stay updated on technology and business development by annually completing CPD events in technology and business.

• CPD

  A CFM needs to log 20 hours continuing professional development (CPD) per annum. CPD is required by law from all accountants in South African that has earned a designation. It shows your commitment to lifelong learning, and must be obtained from cpd.myciba.org .

CBAC, because you deserve it

• Registration on the National Database of Accountants in terms of the NQF Act, 2008
• Proof that you are committed to ethical conduct and lifelong learning
• Proof that you belong to a community of professionals and have subjected yourself to peer review and self-improvement
• Professional membership increases employability.
• Designations mean better employability.
• Access to job opportunities
• Access to accounting news and developments
• Networking opportunities at CIBA events
• Personal and professional development seminars and free webinars.
• Pathway to CFM and CCFO designation.

Contact us

• Contact us on 012 643 1800 or send an email to membership@myciba.org should you require more information about the process.